At Project RISE, we believe in the power of community, perseverance, and growth. Today, we are proud to celebrate a significant milestone: the graduation of our Cohort 5 students. This moment marks the culmination of two years of hard work, transformation, and unwavering determination.

Please join us in applauding our incredible graduates—Dawn, Rich, Trent, and Mandie—who have successfully completed the Project RISE program. Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of the resilience and dedication they’ve shown along the way.

This achievement would not have been possible without the strong foundation built by our community of supporters. We are deeply grateful for our volunteers, whose time, compassion, and consistency make Project RISE possible. A special thank you to Sis Ann, Kyle, Diane, and Angel—your support has been instrumental in every step of this journey.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our childcare volunteers, the unsung heroes who provide the vital support that allows our parents and participants to focus, grow, and succeed. Your generosity and selflessness are the backbone of our program.

We also want to acknowledge the kindness of our meal providers, including Pettit Law, whose contributions bring comfort and nourishment each week. And to the Aurora United Methodist Church, thank you for your continued generosity in opening your doors to us every Thursday night. Your support has created a safe and welcoming space for learning and community.

As we celebrate the success of Cohort 5, we are reminded that it truly takes a village. Thank you to everyone who has walked alongside us on this journey. Here’s to the future—and all the lives still to be changed.